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HR5523119th CongressWALLET

Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would raise the retirement age for most multicrew airline pilots to 67, letting experienced pilots keep flying longer while keeping FAA safety and training rules in play. Pilots older than 65 when the law takes effect could return to multicrew service until age 67, and actions taken in conformity with the law would not be a basis for employment liability.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Allow pilots to fly until 67

If enacted, the bill would raise the maximum retirement age for pilots in multicrew Part 121 operations to 67. A pilot older than 65 on the date of enactment would be able to return to service and serve until age 67. The change would not apply where a foreign country or international rules prohibit such operations. Actions taken in conformance with this rule or with prior listed FAA rules would not be usable as a basis for liability or relief in employment law proceedings.

Pilot training and union consent

If enacted, the bill would require air carriers in covered Part 121 operations to continue using FAA-approved pilot training and qualification programs. Any amendment to a pilot labor agreement or benefit plan that is needed to conform with this rule would have to be made by agreement between the carrier and the pilots' designated bargaining representative. This protects existing FAA training standards and requires union consent for contract changes tied to the rule.

New medical rules for older pilots

If enacted, pilots aged 60 and older in covered Part 121 operations would need a first-class medical certificate. That certificate would expire on the last day of the six-month period after the exam date, effectively requiring up-to-date first-class certification every six months. At the same time, the bill would bar different or more frequent medical exams solely because of age unless the FAA Administrator finds, based on data or studies after enactment, that extra standards or exams are needed for safety.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]

    WI • R

    Sponsored 9/23/2025

  • Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]

    NV • R

    Sponsored 7/13/2026

  • Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 7/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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